Padmanabhapuram Palace
Location: Kanyakumari District, 15 kms from Nagercoil.
Built In: 1601 AD
Information On Padmanabhapuram Palace
The Padmanabhapuram Palace
in Kanyakumari district, located about 15 km from Nagercoil has the rare distinction of being one of the most ancient monuments in South India. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace was the seat of power for the Travancore emperors till 1790, when the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja. Its main attraction is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings.
And Inside Gaze
1. The Entrance Hall:
Bearing testimony to the immaculately evolved architectural skills that prevailed in this region, the palace commands spontaneous awe from the onlooker. A brass lamp fashioned as a man riding a horse and hanging from the magnificently carved wooden ceiling greets the visitors to the "poomukham" or entrance hall. The ceiling, interestingly has 90 varieties of flowers in full bloom. A black bed made of seven granite stones and a 17th century chair gifted by a Chinese official are found in the hall. On the wall are displayed ellipsoidal coloured wooden planks depicting "Anantasyana"- the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu, also known as Lord Padmanabha.
2. The Council Chamber:
The Mantrasala, the Council Chamber, is an example of excellence of workmanship in wood. A wooden seat with the images of lions, contacting small decorated doors with space inside for filling with aromatic substance is a neat work indeed. The floor made of a mixture of burnt coconut shells, lime, late rite and sand glistens to this day.
3. The King's Quarters:
The king's quarters or "upparika malika", near the bathing ghat, was built by Marthanda Varma in 1744 A.D. The courtyard leading to this building served as a parade ground for recruiting soldiers for the royal army. A round stone weighing 38 kg and placed on a pillar had to be lifted hundred times by any aspirant wishing to join the army. About 50 murals painted in green, black and brown, depicting Lord Vishnu with his consorts and Lord Krishna with the Gopikas adorn the walls of the prayer hall.
4. Guest House and The Dance Hall:
Several incidents in the life of Marthanda Varma are beautifully captured in canvas and are displayed on the corridor to the guest house or "Indra Vilasm". A jewel in the crown is the Navarathra Mandapam. It is made of complete stone structures. This massive dance hall is 66 feet by 27 feet with a high roof and sculpted stone pillars. The womenfolk witness the performances through the wooden enclosure with arrangements for viewing.
5. Exact Date of its Construction: A Shrouded Mystery
Though the exact date as to when the fort was constructed is shrouded in mystery, it is believed the fort was built in 1601 A.D. Originally it was constructed with mud in the 14th century and was named Darpakulangara Palace.However, it was Marthanda Varma who reconstructed the palace with granite structures.
How To Reach Padmanabhapuram
By Road
Padmanabhapuram is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Thiruvananthapuram on the highway to Kanyakumari. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation runs a daily tour to Kanyakumari that stops at Padmanabhapuram. You can also hire a cab from Thiruvananthapuram.
By Rail
The nearest railway station from Padmanabhapuram is at Nagercoil, 15 Km away.
By Air
Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram, 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. There are flights to Gulf, Europe, USA, Sri Lanka, Maldives etc and Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai (Madras), Bangalore and Cochin.
